Gorge Fly Shop Blog: Columbia Gorge Fishing Report

***Monday addition*** I previously forgot to mention the world premier of the new fly fishing movie Providence at Andrews Pizza/Skylight Theater this Saturday, October 15. 6:30 and 8:30 shows are $10 each. This is the new movie from Confluence Films, the makers of Drift, Rise, Connect and Waypoints. These are some of our absolute favorite fly fishing movies. They always feature great scenery, incredible adventure, and some dandy fishing. Please join us for a show, have a beer or two, meet other local fisherpeople and enjoy the best pizza in the Gorge. Call us or Andrews Pizza for details and I will see you there.

Fishing reports have been sparse this month because we have been out fishing! I spent a week trout fishing on the Kenai River. Despite the crowds, the fishing was as good (better) than I had imagined. TJ Dawson from Lakeview Outfitters really showed me a good time and put me on some dandy fish. I did also fish several days with Jeff Heiskell from Alaska Troutfitters. He is alright I guess... Just kidding Jeff, love ya buddy. Thanks for the good times. It really should be on every angler's bucket list. What a beautiful river with some amazing fish.

Jeff with a "its too small for a picture"
Kenai Rainbow

As far as what is happening around the Gorge: We finally got a healthy dose of the fall rains that we have been asking for. This did cause some clarity issues on the Klick and the Hood. That's OK because the summer steelhead run on the Hood is mediocre at best, but it should get the fall chinook into full spawn mode and flush out the older salmon that are hanging around. I don't put in much effort on the Hood this time of year, but if I only have an hour or two to fish, it is available and gives up a steelhead every once in a great while.

There are no winter steelhead in the Hood River yet... the earliest that winter steelhead have been found in the fish trap on the Hood has been mid November, and that is always after heavy rains. The winter steelhead really get moving into the Hood well after the New Year.

Dave with a nice hatchery Steelhead
caught on his brand new Nautilus!

The Klickitat did color up a little bit, but it is reported to not be as bad as expected (as of Saturday). More rains are coming, but I am not sure how it will impact the local rivers. The Klick has been producing, but as we are all aware, numbers are very low compared to the ten year average. This doesn't mean that you won't catch fish, but expect to put in some time and effort for your fish.

The Deschutes seems to have held up pretty well from recent rains. Clarity is not perfect, but we like a little color to our rivers.

Confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers, gorgeous!

Trout fishing has been at near epic levels on the Deschutes however. Reports of Mahogany Dun Mayflies, October Caddis and even some Blue Wing Olives (on those crappy, cloudy mornings) are all signs that point to good fishing. Stripping streamers on trout spey rods has been productive too. For my time and money I am focusing more on the upper river between Warm Springs and Trout Creek, but the fishing has been good throughout the river.

Fall Chinook should be finishing up their spawn here shortly, so opportunities for fresh, hot salmon are about over, but there are a few Coho Salmon around the tributaries.

October trout fishing!

Lakes are still fishing very well. We heard of a couple of guys at Timothy Lake tying into some monster trout. Clear Lake can be very good too for big brookies this time of year. Lost and Laurance are both fishing very well for smaller "stocker" trout and Goose Lake has been pushing out some fish in the 16" range with consistency.

The East Fork Hood River is very colorful right now... but trout fishing (its always closed for steelhead/salmon) has been decent when it has been clearer. Time shall tell when it clears up, but it closes on Halloween so get in your small stream trout fishing while you can.

Ryan has been slaying nice smallmouth bass on the Columbia lately. He isn't giving up any secrets, but he appears to be the only person bass fishing out there...

Flows: The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns. Both are invaluable tools. You can also check water temps here too...

Hood River:

USGS

NOAA

Klickitat
USGS
NOAA

Deschutes near Madras:

USGS

Deschutes at the mouth:

USGS

NOAA

Columbia River

Bonneville Dam Water Temps
Columbia @ Hood River (The mouth of the Hood backs up at 75 feet)

As always, we are happy to talk fishing any time. Give us a call if you have any specific questions on local rivers, gear, and tactics, or if you just want some encouragement to get out of the office. 541.386.6977